Isolation has taught us that even if the world shuts down, we have everything we need to have a good day. All we need to do is put in a little work.
While a creating a solid routine can help you manage your day-to-day purpose, leaning into what brings you joy can be a surefire way of making this a time to remember. Do you have something that you’ve always wanted to do, but never had the time? Sure, maybe the big effort is what’s been stopping you, but if not now then when? Now’s the time to make the time.
Read on to see how Gritchelle practices self care and leans into joy to make isolation more fun (and her future dirt adventures more epic!).
GET READY
My self-care routine as soon as I get dressed, put on makeup and do my hair as if I am going to go out in the world. Getting ready in the morning helps me feel productive and I like looking put together even if I’m just taking the dog out for a walk in the neighborhood.
MOVEMENT
When it’s time to workout, I rotate my days between strength training, HIIT, and running with my dog or riding the trainer. I like to mix it all up so that I don’t get bored. Today I’m focusing on strength training and HIIT, all of which I do in my living room. Going to the gym has never been a passion of mine. After a few rainy winters in the PNW, I’ve learned how to appreciate exercising at home. And between my husband and I, we’ve slowly accumulated a mish-mash set of dumbbells.
TAKE IT SLOW
Another thing I do is make time for naps, especially naps in the sun! It’s typically rainy and grey in Portland until mid-June but lately, it’s been unusually warm and sunny. I’ve been taking advantage of the beautiful weather by soaking up the sunshine in my yard whenever I can.
DO WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY
Lastly, the most important part of my self-care routine during this time of isolation is working on mountain bike skills. While I can’t ride some of my favorite trails, I do have access to a little bit of outdoor space and am lucky to have a partner who’s super handy with power tools. There’s a neglected alleyway behind our house and for the past few years I’ve joked about putting in a trail and some jumps.
Being equally anxious to ride dirt, my husband Chris, has used this time to turn the alleyway into something rideable. He’s built us a couple of mobile ramps and a manual machine. It’s easy to lose bike fitness and skills when you’re not out riding, so it’s great to have this little DIY trail to stay motivated. I’m incredibly stoked and grateful to have an outdoor space to practice and relax at. Hopefully, by the time this pandemic is over, I’ll be ready to hit the dirt and put my practice to good use.
